Donald Trump has announced plans to establish a federal “AI Force” and appoint an artificial intelligence “czar” to oversee the United States’ rapidly expanding technology sector.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, the US president said the initiative would be modelled in part on the Space Force, the military branch created during his first term in office.
Trump said the government should protect the artificial intelligence industry without restricting its development. “We will not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry,” he wrote.
He added that officials would seek to identify companies or individuals acting improperly, using existing criminal and civil justice systems rather than introducing sweeping new controls.
Trump outlines AI Force plans
The president did not provide details of the proposed force’s structure, legal authority or staffing. He said he would announce his choice for AI czar “in the near future”, adding that “only High I.Q. individuals need apply”.
Trump portrayed artificial intelligence as a transformative economic force comparable to the Industrial Revolution or the internet. He suggested the sector could eventually account for as much as a quarter of US gross domestic product.
He also linked the proposal to the wider competition between Washington and Beijing, saying the US was ahead of China in artificial intelligence and that he intended to maintain that advantage.
The announcement comes as the Trump administration continues to favour rapid AI development and a lighter regulatory approach, while arguing that existing government powers are sufficient to deal with criminal conduct and other abuses.
